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Sandy Springs approves $50.5 million bonds to fund three fire-station projects
Summary
The Sandy Springs Public Facilities Authority and City Council approved revenue bonds not to exceed $50,500,000 to buy land and replace or improve three fire stations; council and staff described project scope, anticipated debt service and timeline while residents raised neighborhood and environmental concerns.
The City of Sandy Springs Public Facilities Authority and the City Council on Aug. 5 approved revenue bonds in an amount not to exceed $50,500,000 to fund fire and safety projects, including acquisition of land for a new Fire Station 4, repairs to Station 3 on Raider Drive, and a complete replacement of Fire Station 1 at 1425 Spalding Drive. The Public Facilities Authority item (PFA 20‑25‑15) was approved first by the authority; the council later approved a companion bond resolution authorizing the lease and debt service arrangement with the authority.
City Manager Eden Freeman told the authority the financing will “formally initiate the debt issuance process for $50,500,000,” funds that were approved in the FY26 budget. Freeman said the package anticipates using the proceeds to acquire property at 5275 Roswell Road for a relocated Fire Station 4 (moving it inside Sandy Springs from land currently in the City of Atlanta), to make improvements to Station 3 (built 2002), and to replace Station 1 (built 1968), which “has reached the end of its useful life.”
Freeman said the FY26 budget contemplates reduced debt service of about $1.6 million in the first year because of anticipated escrow savings from restructuring, then an anticipated $3 million per year over 30 years to repay the bonds. Financial adviser David Cheatwood told council the city still has capacity under rating‑agency metrics and that issuing the $50.5 million would fit within a triple‑A maintenance outlook based on FY24 financials.
During public comment, resident Bill Griffith questioned replacing Station 1 and acquiring the Roswell Road tract, urging comparison to existing city facilities and suggesting that sidewalks and traffic safety projects also need funding. Janet Wells, speaking for neighbors near the Roswell Road site, said residents are concerned that the purchase would bring a fuel station, a training tower, noise, smoke, and stream‑buffer encroachment; she asked about buffer type and depth, risks from fuel storage, and protection of mature trees and creeks. Freeman and staff did not propose changes at the meeting; the council and authority approved the bond items.
Motion and vote: On PFA item 20‑25‑15, Councillor John Paulson moved approval, seconded by Tibby DeGiulio; the motion carried with the authority expressing unanimous assent. On the council companion item (agenda 20‑25‑1‑69), Paulson moved and DeGiulio seconded; the council voted in favor and approved the resolution.
Next steps: Staff will proceed with the debt issuance process and subsequent construction and design work. The council did not adopt new limitations or conditions on site design during this meeting; neighbors seeking design changes were invited to follow up with staff.
